Highlights
- Nihilistic anime challenge conventional notions of hope and explore themes of moral ambiguity, the nature of reality, and existential angst.
- Ergo Proxy, Serial Experiments Lain, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Death Note, and Berserk are all examples of anime that invite viewers to reflect on purpose and meaning in a bleak and hopeless world.
- These anime dive deep into philosophical quandaries, examine the breakdown of reality, and present a pessimistic view of both power and human nature, leaving viewers pondering the darker aspects of life.
Unsurprisingly, nihilism has lent itself to some of the bleakest anime ever put to screen. A philosophy that rejects any values as worthless, nihilism frequently leads to grim questions and conclusions about life and humanity.
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Nihilistic anime have often portrayed dark and bleak settings and scenarios. In turn, they've managed to challenge a variety of conventional notions of hope and existence. Through complex plots and contemplative character arcs, such anime have thoroughly explored themes of moral ambiguity, the nature of reality, and existential angst. These sorts of series usually question the nature of human existence and present a glum sense of hopelessness. By moving through nihilistic concepts, the following anime have invited viewers to reflect on purpose and meaning in a way few other anime have managed.
5 Ergo Proxy Is An Intriguing, Dystopian Series
The nihilism of Ergo Proxy is apparent from the get-go, as viewers are introduced to a harsh, hopeless post-apocalyptic world. The dystopian series follows Re-L Mayer, a detective on the case of a string of murders.
On the surface, the world of Ergo Proxy sees humans and AI live comfortably as equals. However, as Mayer digs deeper into the murder mystery on hand, viewers are prompted to question tough themes of free will, identity, and the general search for meaning in a world rocked by desolation and decay. The plot is frequently riddled with philosophical quandaries, often implying that even core themes like human connection and purpose have become scarce commodities in the domed city setting of the series. With its ominous atmosphere and the tough challenges the characters face, the series consistently sports a nihilistic exterior.
4 Serial Experiments Lain Is A Bizarre, Philosophical Sci-Fi Series
This surreal sci-fi series uses powerful, often bizarre imagery and plot lines to explore the nature of reality and the existential angst it can incite. The acclaimed anime follows the titular Lain, an introverted adolescent who gets caught up in the increasingly blurred boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds.
As the hectic, heady narrative progresses, heavy themes of dissolution, alienation, identity, and the often futile nature of seeking truth and connection come to the forefront. Lain's troublesome journey puts forward a confusing, often empty notion of existence while also exploring the dark sides of both human consciousness and advanced technology. Overall, the series has frequently turned heads thanks to its disquieting presentation of a world completely lacking in meaning while also examining a breakdown of reality and the often bleak implications and consequences that follow.
3 Neon Genesis Evangelion Is An Apocalyptic Epic
This action-packed existentialist anime has frequently explored the more negative aspects of human existence, including a general sense of dread and emptiness that permeates throughout the series. The show takes a close look at the psychological struggles of lead protagonist Shinji Ikari, a giant mecha pilot.
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Ikari and co. must drive these enormous mecha weapons in mass-destructive fights with mysterious, dangerous beings known simply as Angels. Throughout the series, questions of the human experience, identity, loneliness, and fear of death are explored. Characters are frequently depicted as dealing with profound feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair in a harsh world on the brink of complete annihilation. From start to finish, Neon Genesis Evangelion challenges concepts of both meaning and purpose, prompting a general feeling of existential angst and general nihilism in the process.
2 Death Note Is A Thought-Provoking Thriller
This modern classic psychological thriller is often regarded as nihilistic due to its exploration of both moral ambiguity and the potential futility of human ideals. The series focuses primarily on Light Yagami, a troubled youngster who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to cause the death of anyone whose name he writes in it.
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Needless to say, it doesn't take long before Light descends into the depths of megalomania. Along the way, the show effectively dives head-on into complex themes concerning the corruptive nature of power and the flaws typically seen in justice systems. The series frequently challenges more traditional notions of morality as well as the general value of human life. Overall, the highly acclaimed show presents a world where characters are largely driven by their desires and self-interests over anything else. Ultimately, Death Note puts forward a pessimistic view of both power and human nature,
1 Berserk Is A Devastating Fantasy Series
This supremely dark, intense fantasy anime is often considered nihilistic due to its look at confronting themes such as moral chaos and existentialism. The core plot zeroes in on Guts, a relentless warrior with a horrific past who must navigate his way through a mercilessly grim world brimming with violence and despair.
The series highlights the ephemeral aspects of life while also examining the pain of characters lacking a higher purpose. The core feud at the heart of the series sees Guts seek out his former mentor, Griffith, for revenge after the latter betrayed his team in service of becoming a potent, demonic entity. On top of that, every episode is rife with scenes of extreme suffering, often making for a grim viewing experience. Berserk's colorful yet dark cast of vicious characters is frequently hammered with brutally gruesome reality. In turn, traditional notions of justice, meaning, and hope are both challenged and subverted. The show's unflinching depiction of a nihilistic world often leaves shocked viewers pondering the bleaker, more uncertain aspects of life.